Under Her Wing

Chapter 94

Danielle POV

"We won't be long sweetheart," I said calmly, crouched down in front of a shaking Amalia.

Carla had just arrived for their session, time for Stefania and I to leave.

"M-Mom," she whimpered, looking helplessly between myself and Stefania who was mid conversation with Carla.

"You've got this, you can do anything," I assured her.

"N-no," she shook her head, now staring at the floor.

I brought my finger underneath her chin, lifting her head back up to meet my gaze.

"You can do anything," I repeated.

"Come on, give mommy a hug," I said, knowing Stef and I really needed to leave.

Mali fell forward into my embrace, her fingers clutching the back of my shirt as she wrapped her arms around me.

"You've got this," I whispered, kissing the side of her head before pulling back from her.

She stood from the sofa and rushed over to Stefania, wrapping her arms tightly around her waist, burying her face into her stomach.

"Bambina it's okay," Stefania said gently.

"Please mama," she begged, one last attempt to break one of us into staying.

"Time will fly bella, Jeff is here with you," Stefania added, gesturing to the dog who was trying to get Amalia's attention. She was great at knowing when Mali needed her.

"Come on Amalia, why don't you go choose where you want to sit?" Carla suggested, forcing the start of their session.

"You've got our numbers if you need us to come straight back," I said seriously.

"I do but It won't be necessary. I promise you she'll settle, try to enjoy your walk," she said warmly, knowing I needed this just as much as Amalia.

"Let's go bellina," Stefania said, taking hold of my hand and grabbing a set of keys from the counter.

We just about made it to the front door when we heard Amalia scream for us.

"MOMMY!"

"MAMA!"

"PLEASE STAY MOMMY!"

"Amalia it's okay," we heard Carla say.

I glanced at Stef, my stomach in knots.

"We need to go my love, she needs this," Stefania said, opening the front door.

I reluctantly followed her out the house and down the driveway.

"I think I'm going to be sick," I said honestly, clutching my stomach.

Stefania continued walking ahead of me.

I raised a hand to my mouth, scared I would actually throw up from the guilt of leaving Amalia.

I was struggling to keep up with Stefania's quick strides.

"Stef hold up," I called after her, needing her to slow down.

I sped up myself to reach her, grabbing her arm to stop her.

"Stefania," I said, frustrated with her actions.

I spun her around to face me, instantly softening when I saw the state she was in. Tears were streaming down her face, her eyes red and puffy.

"Oh my love," I sighed, letting her into my arms and rest her chin on my shoulder. I could feel her heart racing against my own chest as her body shook with sobs.